Oman Air raises capacity to Salalah during Khareef

MUSCAT: Oman Air has increased capacity and frequency to Salalah to cater to increasing demand for the Khareef festival, a statement from Oman Air said.

During the Khareef season (July and August), Oman Air will increase the number of daily flights from nine to 13 departures daily. Capacity will increase by nearly 57 per cent with 1,616 seats available daily, one way, compared to the standard 1,028 in the normal schedule.

During the Eid holiday period from 23rd June to 2nd July, Oman Air offered an additional 5,100 extra seats between Muscat and Salalah.

The Khareef season, which begins every year on June 21 and ends on September 21, is considered to be one of the most important tourist seasons in the Gulf as the weather is much cooler than the rest of the region.

Many locals, residents, and tourists, flock to Dhofar, sometimes referred to as Oman’s best kept secret, as it is the only region in the GCC where visitors can enjoy greenery, a forest-like environment and seasonal showers.

In 2016, Dhofar welcomed 653,000 visitors during Khareef and it is anticipated that this year figures could grow by as much as 20 per cent, facilitated by the new flights and additional hotel accommodation now available in Salalah.

Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer Abdulrahman Al Busaidy said: “The increase in flights signifies our commitment to the citizens and residents of Oman as well as a growing number of international visitors who wish to enjoy the holiday season in Salalah along with their friends and relatives to experience the cool rains and unique beauty of the Khareef season.

“Last year Oman Air offered eleven flights a day with a capacity increase of 15,000 seats compared to the previous year; an increase that was very well received by our guests. This year with 13 daily flights we will offer even more choice and will operate a mixture of fleet including the award winning A330 and the Dreamliner.”

Salalah Airport has recently been redeveloped and the new airport opened in 2015; it is Oman’s secondary airport and last year it welcomed over 1,198,000 passengers. This figure will continue to grow through its planned phases of expansion and runway development. Several international airlines fly into Salalah Airport in addition to Oman Air.